Canadians serving outside the Canada and Bermuda Territory
Lieut.-Colonels Ray and Marilyn Moulton
Territorial Secretary for Program
and
Territorial Community Care and Older Adult Ministries Secretary
Territorial Headquarters, Long Beach, California
USA Western Territory
The USA Western Territory is very rich in ministry to various cultures, particularly the Hispanic community. This is a growing and dynamic part of their ministry. Funding and administrative resources however are always an issue and must be balanced.
Since their arrival, they have made some modifications to some of the programs, such as the name change of the League of Mercy to Community Care Ministries. They also now have a Junior Community Care Ministries which includes young people in the Junior Soldier age group. This area is really growing and the young people are very enthused with being able to be a part of this ministry.
More recently, Marilyn has taken on the additional responsibility of the Older Adult Ministries for the territory. She has also been able to set up a database on the Lotus Notes system for both the Community Care Ministries and the Older Adult Ministries. Resources are now available on the databases for all the divisions.
The greatest challenge to program is that corps leaders are so burdened with administration to manage staff, co-ordinate fundraising and meet the needs of the community, that finding time to build and care for their congregation can be difficult. This year, the divisions are being encourage to concentrate on the corps connecting with their communities by visitation and acts of kindness. Together, we have been able to re-establish a basic ministry foundation for the territory that is finding good acceptance.
Prayer requests:
* For the leaders of our corps to find a balance in their ministry responsibilities;
* For the ministry of our Community Care Ministries workers;
* For the change in administration as a new territorial commander takes on the responsibilities of this territory.
